Cook's Assistant

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Job DescriptionAnticipated Openings for “Cook’s Assistant”

Smith College Dining Services invites applications to apply for anticipated openings for Cook’s Assistant positions. Qualified applicants will be contacted for interviews during July and August. These positions will start in late August, 2022.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Assist with all food preparation and service during assigned shifts. Work cooperatively in a safe and sanitary manner with other staff members to ensure the efficient and professional operation of the unit in accordance with work rules and departmental policies. Strive for a dining atmosphere which is cordial and accommodating for all students and guests under the guidance of the chef or cook on duty and direction of the area manager. Clean all dining service areas and equipment as delegated or in concert with team members. Assume dining room coordinator’s duties during key periods of service. Respond with flexibility to change in work location when the operational needs of the department are so required.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist the cooks, and assume the duties of the Kitchen Assistant in their absences. Prepare, cook, garnish, and present all menu items in a superior manner in accordance with dining service standards and recipes. These include, but are not limited to breakfast items, soups, entrees including meats, sauces, vegetables, salads, dressings, breads, desserts, and meal alternatives as well as dietary accommodations and display cooking.

Clean and sanitize all dining service areas and equipment including routine floor maintenance on each shift. Support and maintain proper sanitation and recycling procedures. Perform duties of dining room coordinator as needed, including use of the dining access system and all other related tasks. Assist in receiving: check in product, inspect, weigh/count and properly store all food and supplies. Assist chef in accurately inventorying storage areas. Work with other members of kitchen staff to orderly assemble production records, transfers, and meal counts for data entry. Communicate with all people accurately, professionally and in a timely manner, including proper labeling and dating all prepared foods. Work cooperatively with the area manager, staff, and students to ensure an orderly and efficient operation. Responsible for reviewing all department notices. Utilize email and all college computer access responsibly.

Attend departmental meetings and training workshops as requested. Participate in the preparation for and service of special events. Complete required payroll forms and scheduling forms within deadlines. Perform all other related or relevant tasks. Initiate teamwork, collaboration, and cooperation between co-workers.

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

Completion of high school education or vocational school education and a minimum 1 year of combined educational and/or commercial experience in quantity cookery which includes baking.

Requirements of the position are consistent with the responsibilities and duties of persons within the food service profession in adherence with all state and federal guidelines. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and perform basic arithmetic functions. Current state approved sanitation certificate is required.

Culinary arts degree or equivalent training preferred.

Skills:

Ability to tolerate exposure to water and cleaning chemicals, higher than normal noise levels, and heat and humidity consistent with that produced by commercial kitchen equipment. Must demonstrate adequate physical strength and coordination to effectively prepare, clean and receive supplies while properly utilizing standard food service utensils and equipment. Must be able to safely lift and move 50 pounds, work from a step stool, walk and stand for prolonged periods of time, bend, reach, pull and push. Must be able to manipulate utensils and equipment repetitively for variable periods of time - up to 65% of an assigned shift. Must be mobile between work stations and other campus food service areas. Must possess good vision with or without correction. Must possess the sensory ability to taste/smell. Must practice good personal hygiene and wear clean uniforms in compliance with public health standards and consistent with college policy. Must adhere to the sustainability initiatives set by the department. Must possess basic computer skills including receiving and sending emails.

Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Schedules:

Schedules will vary depending on the position. All Positions are 40 hours per week for 39 weeks per year (August- May). Typical Schedules for these positions are 11:30 am– 7:30 pm, 12:30-8:30pm or 6:00 am– 2:00 pm.

Wage Rate - $ 21.85 per hour.

When applying, submit a single PDF or Word document containing all of the following: 1) a letter of interest/cover letter; 2) a resume of applicable experiences, training and education; and 3) a list of 2-3 references.

Smith College is an EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer

Please attach/upload a current resume and cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position.

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts.  A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Smith College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.